The US Senate has confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow vote. Blanche, a former criminal defense lawyer who represented President Donald Trump, now runs the Justice Department. The final tally showed only a handful of votes to spare, a rare outcome for a cabinet nominee backed by the White House. The result came after a tense week of lobbying on Capitol Hill, with both parties pressing undecided senators right up to the final vote.
A close vote in the Senate
Senators voted on August 14, 2026, after days of debate. Blanche needed a simple majority, and his supporters held the line. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced he would back the nominee, a move that likely saved the confirmation. Earlier, Senator Lisa Murkowski said she opposed the pick. She cited concerns about the department's independence. Other Republicans stayed quiet during the roll call, and the result came down to a slim margin.
Rare public dissent from Republicans
The opposition to Blanche was unusual because presidents usually expect smooth confirmations for their cabinet picks. Some Republicans worried that Blanche would treat the Justice Department as an extension of the White House. Others pointed to his past work defending Trump in criminal cases. Supporters argued that Blanche knows the law and will restore order inside the department. In a statement, Blanche said he would follow the law and protect the integrity of federal prosecutors.
What comes next at the Justice Department
Blanche takes over during a busy period. The department is handling several high-profile investigations, and Congress is watching how it handles politically sensitive cases. Critics say the confirmation fight shows how divided Washington has become over the rule of law. Supporters say the process worked, and Blanche now has a mandate to lead. His first public appearances will be watched closely for signals about which cases he prioritizes and how he manages the department's top career officials.